Closed to thetombkeeper

[moonlightshine]

[Usagi wasn't sure how they all decided to take a quick trip to Domino, but she was happy for it. She would get to see the place where Marik made a name for himself. Be able to explore a new city, and over all make more memories with her friends. The girls decided to go with them as well, which made it easier when it came to getting transportation and hotel rooms. Plus, going as a group and not on a date made it easier to convince her parents.

Leaving their hotel room, she turned to Marik, gauging his expression. She had a feeling he might be nervous being back in a place that was both good and bad. They could take things at his pace. If he wanted to show her around, or if they wanted to explore, that was fine. Either way, she would be happy as long as they got to spend time together.]

The girls said we could meet up with them later in the day. I know Ami-chan wanted to visit a museum or two, and Mina-chan wanted to do shopping...

[Usagi told her boyfriend, her hand easily slipping into his, hoping it would help calm any nerves.]

I'm curious to what you'd like to do. We could wander the city, or stay at the hotel and enjoy a relaxing day.

[Heck, they could make a game of pointing out how many 'KaibaCorp' symbols or buildings were around if he wanted.]

We can do whatever you'd like, Marik-kun.

Comments

[thetombkeeper]

[Bakura was a man of mystery. A great Duelist, a better Game Master, a great thief, and a maestro of schemes who wanted all of the Millennium Items for himself. That was the extent of Marik's knowledge on him. He didn't really care to get to know him better as the two were just using each other to get what they wanted. A means to an end.

Bakura was, however, the only one who actually tried to help him when he was kicked from his body. Yet again, the thief only agreed because he wanted the Rod from Marik's other personality.

The tomb keeper is taken aback when she finally hugs him, wondering what prompted it. Was it because he managed to squash her worries? Had Bakura spun his threads just right for her to have doubted him so? That... was concerning. Yes, she didn't know everything about him but he was slowly opening up. She just needed to give him time.

Her words though. Her words sting him. Was he... mistaken in taking on the Nemesis powers? She was always telling him what he did was enough but he himself couldn't believe it. Usagi and the girls had tremendous power.

... And he was just an ordinary person. One who thought he was worthy of the title of Pharaoh only to have the rug pulled out from under him. No, taking the powers was the right thing to do. It meant he could finally protect her no matter what.

Shadow can't live without light. That was what first drew him to her and what continues to draw him in further.]

Usagi...

[Marik's expression quickly turns to one of concern as she begins crying. He pulls her against him tightly, his hand returning to hold the back of her head so she can bury her face in his chest.]

You don't need to apologize for anything. I would have done the same if I were in your shoes.

[He kisses the top of her head, just holding her close, letting her get it all out of her system.]

[moonlightshine]

[Usagi found herself being pressed against Marik's body, her face in his chest and her tears staining his shirt. She clung tighter to him, her hands grabbing fistfuls of his shirt. Later, she would feel guilty for getting his shirt wet, and he would more than likely tell her it was okay. Everything he was doing was what any good boyfriend would do.

If he didn't care about her, he would've tossed her away by now, wouldn't he? The blonde liked to believe she saw the good in everyone (with Bakura being the exception for now). Marik had made so many great strides, and thought being back in Domino would be a big step forward, not a step back. So far, he'd done just that--he apologized to Yugi and Tea. He didn't get paranoid when she mentioned Bakura.

He was worried something happened to her on the way back from shopping. The evidence was clear, and she would convince her friends of it.

Usagi continued to cry for a few more minutes until her tears ran dry and her breathing evened out. Her hold on his shirt loosened until she was able to pull back enough to look at his face. Her eyes were puffy and red from crying earlier and now.]

I guess I'm still a crybaby, huh? [A bit of self-deprecating humor, complete with a sad smile.]

[thetombkeeper]

[The shirt getting wet was a very small price to pay if it meant comforting good girlfriend. Usagi's mental reasoning would apply to a normal person. All of those things would be natural for them to do. But with the tomb keeper being a borderline sociopathy, empathy was difficult for him. His range of emotions were stunted, the wide spectrum now a very base pallet.

He could easily mimic these gestures, these expressions, these words if it meant manipulating a person into giving him what he wants. Thankfully, he does legitimately care for Usagi and so while the motions are practiced, he means what he says and does feel bad that she's so upset.

When she's finally calmed down some Marik smiles softly at her, kissing both of her cheeks before placing one to her forehead.]

You're allowed to be. You went through quite a lot these past few days... Do you want to return to Tokyo tomorrow...?

[moonlightshine]

[The kisses to her cheeks and forehead were welcomed. He was able to kiss away her tears, and found where her crescent moon birth mark was when she transformed into the Moon Princess. He knew what to do to make her feel better, and even Luna had a hard time with that.

The question was met with a soft 'mhm' and a slow nod of her head.]

I think it might be for the best. The girls were looking to leave earlier rather than later. If there is a new enemy, we need to be prepared.

[Which was really sad, considering she was greatly enjoying the peace they had. Now they would have to go back to fighting--but they would win. Love would triumph over evil and she would make sure Earth was safe for her and those she loved.]

If you want to stay in Domino, you can. We can always meet up when you get back to Tokyo. [They just wouldn't be heading home together, which was fine with Usagi. If Marik wanted to stay behind in order to talk to Yugi some more or do his own thing, she wouldn't hold it against him.]

Oh...I almost forgot. [She had been holding her bags since she walked through the door. Pulling away from Marik, she set one small bag down and held the other one out to him. Inside was a pocket watch on a small gold chain. The watch was made to look like a star with an even 6 points and showed the phases of the moon, along with time.]

I bought it for you...I thought you might like it.

[thetombkeeper]

I get it. It's probably for the best.

[He blinks, surprised by her offer. The thought crosses his mind to stick around and confront Bakura but... perhaps it's best to lay low for now. The thief wouldn't follow them back to Tokyo. It would be a waste of his time and resources.]

No. I'll come with you. I want to help in any way I can.

[He'd gotten both Yugi and Solomon's numbers to stay in touch although Solomon was the one he was more interested in speaking with. The fact that the man was so fascinated by the ancient world was nice and he'd have someone else to practice his Egyptian with.

Marik tilts his head to the side, letting her step away, then looking at the pocket watch as she hands it to him.

His eyes widen and he looks from Usagi to the watch and back again, his cheeks flushing slightly.]

Usagi... It's... It's perfect. Thank you.

[The blonde boy clutches it to his heart, remaining silent for a few moments before he speaks again.]

... When we get back to Tokyo, I'll... tell you everything you want to know about Battle City, alright?

[moonlightshine]

Are you sure? If you're having a good time, I don't want to pull you away from it. [They didn't always need to be attached at the hip. He was his own person and could do whatever he wanted as long as it wasn't evil. Especially if it meant bonding more with Yugi.

She waited with baited breath, hoping she picked out a good pocket watch for him. She hadn't been kidding when she told him it would complete his look. When Usagi saw it, she knew it would be the perfect gift. It was a timeless piece, and he could wear it whenever he had to go to a fancy event for dueling or...a fancy night out. She wanted to give him something to think of her by. Earrings felt too impersonal. A bracelet didn't feel right either--especially if she got one that was too big or small.

He had plenty of necklaces too, and she wasn't about to look for makeup without him. The man was hard to shop for. So when she saw the perfect item for him, she had to buy it. Which made the experience with Bakura all the more frustrating as she thought he was trying to take the gift she bought for Marik.

Usagi doesn't feel her heart beating again until Marik tells her it's perfect. Her smile grows, showing only happiness and fondness for the Egyptian.]

I was hoping it would be to your tastes... [And how she fretted if the chain was perfect or not.

Her eyes widen at Marik, caught off guard at how open he was being. Did she dare push her luck?]

Okay...when we get back to Tokyo... [A pause as she tried to figure out the best way to approach her next question.]

Do you think...you could share some of what you told me with the girls?

[thetombkeeper]

I'm sure. Don't worry. I'd... prefer you being here with me if I was going to stay rather than flying solo.

[There were too many people he wronged and while Yugi was good at convincing people, not everyone could be swayed so easily.

It really was the perfect gift in his eyes. It fit his style but was distinctively Usagi - and he adored that. When not wearing it, he'd keep it on his nightstand.

And it was the natural conclusion to go that route. If she hadn't of bumped into Bakura he would have kept it to himself but with the Spirit having shown his cards, Marik needed to show his. Usagi deserved to know everything anyways. It was just a matter of when the right time to talk about it was.

She can see him shift his weight, the usual look of apprehension on his face when it came to these sort of things with the girls.]

... I can. Some but not all of it.

[Because any person in their right mind would swear off Marik entirely after hearing his story. He knew if the girls knew the whole truth, they'd probably try to urge Usagi to end their relationship and that was just not something he was willing to deal with.

He was worried Usagi would become scared of him but if their previous talk early on into their relationship was any indication, it showed she always saw the best in him and knew he was trying to improve himself, slowly but surely.]

You said the girls and you didn't go out for food. Did you want to order in for tonight...? Maybe we can watch a movie or something and laze about for the evening.

[moonlightshine]

Okay. [The one word slips from her lips as she moves in to embrace him tightly. Whatever he was willing to share, that would be enough. She hadn't told the girls anything that he told her. She didn't show them the video footage she had found. Everything they talked about was strictly between them. Usagi wasn't going to invade his privacy by sharing them to her guardians/friends.] Whatever you're willing to share, I know they would be willing to listen.

[There was a thoughtful hum from her, thinking over the suggestion. The girls hadn't eaten, that was true. Ami and Rei were probably trying to figure out how soon they could leave. They were all a little on edge.]

I think we could all do take out, but if I'm being honest? I just want to spend the rest of our time here in bed with you. [Wait a minute, Usagi!]

C-cuddling that is. Just...cuddling.

[Nothing else was on her mind, truly.]

[thetombkeeper]

[He appreciated her discrepancy. It wasn't that he didn't like the senshi, he just... was concerned about their reaction.]

I hope so...

[He tucks the pocket watch into his pocket and pulls her into another hug when she leans in to him. Her suggestion though... Marik can't help but chuckle.]

That sounds nice.

[The Egyptian steps back, taking a hold of Usagi's hands and leading her to the bedroom. Once inside, he lets go and gently sets the watch in his jewelry box then hangs up his jacket.

He pauses, looking over his shoulder.]

Should we... er... change into pajamas?

[moonlightshine]

[Usagi followed behind Marik, threading her fingers with his and gave them a light squeeze. Food could wait for the moment. She wanted to feel connected to him again. She wanted to be held by him, feel his calming presence and let that wash over her.]

Sure...that's fine, I'll let the girls know we're staying in.

[And that Marik was coming back with them on their way back to Tokyo.

She kept her back to him, giving him some form of privacy as she took out her phone to quickly send a text to her friends. Hopefully Luna wouldn't come around to make sure she was fine. As sweet as Luna was, she didn't want to be disturbed right now.

Text message sent, Usagi took off her cardigan to hang up in the closet. In a matter of minutes she had her pajamas, changed in the bathroom and waited for Marik on the edge of the bed. ]

[thetombkeeper]

[She didn't need to give him privacy. She'd seen him in his underwear earlier. But he knew Usagi was still shy about changing in front of him, which he didn't mind. He wanted her to be comfortable.

So Marik only removed his shirt and jewelry, waiting for his girlfriend to finish in the bathroom before swapping spots with her. He switched to just his usual tanktop with his boxer-briefs and removed his makeup then joined his girlfriend on the edge of the bed, giving her a warm smile.]

... We'll get things figured out.

[He wraps his arm around her, pulling her closer to him.]

Tonight it's just you and me, okay? We can shut out the rest of the world...

[moonlightshine]

[There was a mixture of shyness and some embarrassment from the blonde when it came to changing around Marik. Yes, she had seen him in just his underwear, but her undressing in front of him would allow him to see more of her than she was ready for. While she knew she was pretty (he called her beautiful more times than she thought possible), she didn't want him to see more of h...not yet.

Plus, if she did undress in front of him, it wouldn't take too much for either of them to steal a glance at the other, and hormones could come into play....and the rest of their clothes might come off.

And knowing their luck, Luna would probably pop over right at that moment.

There was a tired hum of acknowledgement from Usagi, feeling the bed dip from Marik's weight. She was pulled closer to him and she shuffled until she was sitting in his lap. The side of her head resting on his chest.]

I would like that... [Shut the rest of the world out, just focus on the two of them.] I like it when it's just the two of us, and I really like going to sleep with you and waking up next to you.

[thetombkeeper]

[A very likely possibility. While words were easy to manipulate, actions spoke louder and he felt the way he treated Usagi showed how much she truly meant to him.

Luna was also a thing. He'd unintentionally been trained to always worry she'd pop up when things started getting more heated even if he then continued to do things.

Marik tilts his head down so he can rest his cheek against the top of his girlfriend's head, closing his eyes, his arms lazily draped around her waist.]

I do too. I feel... safe when you're here with me. I wish I could have this every night...